Disney+ has decided not to continue with its planned television series adaptation of “Holes.” This news comes after the company ordered a pilot episode earlier this year, generating interest in a new take on the beloved 2003 film and the original novel.
The project was a reimagined version with a key change: the lead character, previously a boy named Stanley in the film, was to be a teenage girl named Hayley. Actress Shay Rudolph, known for The Baby-Sitters Club, was set to play the lead. The decision not to move forward was reportedly made because the pilot did not meet the high creative standards set for rebooting such a popular story.
What the “Holes” Reboot Was Going to Be
The new series was set to follow a similar premise but with a different protagonist. It would have centered on Hayley, a teenage girl sent to a juvenile detention camp for a crime she did not commit. At the camp, called Camp Yucca in this version, the ruthless warden forces the young people to dig holes every day in a dry lake bed for a mysterious purpose.
The story would have explored how Hayley’s own family history was surprisingly connected to the camp and its secrets. This mirrors the plot of the original film, where the main character discovers hidden links between his family’s past and his current situation.
Cast and Creative Team Behind the Scenes
A notable cast was assembled for the pilot. Greg Kinnear was set to play the Warden, taking on the role made famous by Sigourney Weaver in the 2003 movie. Aidy Bryant was cast as a camp counselor named Sissy. The group of young actors playing fellow campers included Noah Cottrell, Flor Delis Alicea, Anire Kim Amoda, Iesha Daniels, Sophie Dieterlen, Alexandra Doke, and Maeve Press.
Behind the camera, the pilot was written by Alina Mankin, with Liz Phang serving as showrunner. Jac Schaeffer was attached to direct. The executive production team included notable names like Drew Goddard and Mike Medavoy, the latter of whom also produced the original film. The project was a collaboration between 20th Television, Walden Media (the studio behind the 2003 film), and Shamrock, which holds the rights.
The Lasting Legacy of the Original “Holes”
The original Holes film, released on April 18, 2003, remains a standout title in Disney’s library. Directed by Andrew Davis, the movie was a faithful adaptation of Louis Sachar’s 1998 award-winning novel, which won both the National Book Award and the Newbery Medal. Sachar himself wrote the screenplay for the film.
The movie starred a young Shia LaBeouf as Stanley Yelnats IV, a teenager wrongfully sent to Camp Green Lake. The acclaimed adult cast included Sigourney Weaver as the intimidating Warden Walker, Jon Voight as Mr. Sir, and Patricia Arquette as the outlaw Kissin’ Kate Barlow. The film was both a critical and commercial success, praised for its smart storytelling. It grossed over $71 million worldwide against a $20 million budget.
The story weaves together multiple timelines, connecting a family curse from Latvia in the 1800s, a tragic love story in the Old West that leads to a town drying up, and a modern-day mystery about buried treasure. At its heart, it is a story about friendship, fate, and breaking generational curses.
“It’s an inventive and surprisingly layered film that holds up for both young audiences and adults,” notes one long-time fan review on IMDb, reflecting the film’s enduring appeal.
Why the Series Will Not Move Forward
While Disney had initially shown strong commitment to the rebootโgoing so far as to establish a writers’ room and earmark a production tax credit for the potential seriesโthe project has ultimately been stopped. Reports indicate that the creative team felt the pilot simply did not clear the high bar set by the original beloved story. The tax credits assigned to the project are not title-specific and can be transferred to other Disney productions.
This decision means that for now, fans looking for a Holes fix will need to revisit the original movie. The 2003 film is available to stream on Disney+, where it continues to find new audiences. The original novel by Louis Sachar also remains a staple in schools and for young readers.
Also Read: Little Disasters Ending Explained: Who Really Hurt Baby Betsy And Why
Sources:(1)
